Primrose Organic Centre
Felindre, Brecon, Powys LD3 0ST Tel: 0044 (0) 1497 847636
Nurturing
the Land
Primrose Farm and its owner, Paul Benham, have a proven record of success. What began as a bare field with one apple tree and a rhubarb plant has grown into (with minimal capital), a flourishing ecological and permaculture holding. In this relatively marginal growing area, approximately £20,000 of organic produce is grown annually from 1.5 acres. The crops are luxuriant and have wonderful flavours and the fertility of the soil is excellent. It appears that there is something very special about the land here as it has been said that the flavour of the produce far surpasses that of other organic produce.
Organic produce is sold to the local community through Hay-on-Wye market every Thursday from March to December. A number of high class hotels and local restaurants are also supplied. Produce is also sold direct from the farm Tel: 01497 847636 or E-mail: enquiries@organic-sacred-earth.co.uk
nb if you do not get an immediate response to your e-mail enquiry then please telephone.
Permaculture
Primrose Farm has been managed ecologically since 1990. Over the last 11 years, permaculture principals have been introduced. Not only has this considerably added to the sustainability of the holding, but has created new habitats and tranquil settings which are of great benefit to wildlife and people. The 0.5-acre forest garden is probably the largest that is commercially operating in this country and contains around 95 different varieties of fruit and nut trees.
There is a distinct quality of peace in this area, which is probably created since it is sustainable and a minimal maintenance system. 6 ponds have been created, a bog garden has been developed and a 0.5-acre native woodland has been planted for coppicing.
Primrose Earth Awareness Trust
In 2000, Paul founded Primrose Earth Awareness Trust (PEAT) - an environmental and sustainable education centre - through his deep concern that local school-children visiting Primrose Farm were unable to identify simple vegetables such as carrots and leeks, growing in the ground.
PEAT is now a thriving education centre with charitable status and is situated on its own piece of land. Local schoolchildren from schools within a 35-mile radius and other groups, visit PEAT on a regular basis. To contact staff for details of their education programme and other activities E-mail: info@primrosetrust.org.uk or visit the PEAT website at www.primrose-trust.org.uk